- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This course covers the history of fingerprints as it relates to individualization; friction skin development; how to obtain a proper set of known fingerprint impressions; the Henry Classification System, the Auto-Class Classification System and Real Time Identification (RTID) System; fingerprint individualization with emphasis on Ridgeology; palm print individualization including the use of palmar flexion creases; procedures utilized in crime scene examination and recovery of fingerprints; chemical techniques for fingerprint detection; the Identification of Criminals Act; and the expert witness in the Canadian Court System.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$837.01
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course the student will be able to:
- Explain the history of fingerprint individualization.
- Define friction skin and how it is formed.
- Explain and defend, through scientific knowledge, how fingerprint individualization can be so positive and infallible.
- Define the composition of ecrine sweat.
- Explain the requirements of a properly obtained known set of fingerprints and demonstrate correct techniques.
- Explain both the Henry, Auto-Class classification systems and RTID.
- Explain how a fingerprint comparison is conducted and demonstrate correct techniques.
- Explain crime scene techniques for latent fingerprint examination and recovery.
- Explain chemical techniques for latent fingerprint examination.
- Define and understand the Identification of Criminals Act.
- Discuss various aspects of an expert witness in the Canadian court system.
Effective as of Fall 2015
Related Programs
The Science of Fingerprints - Theory (FSCT 8320) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science Full-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2025
Below is one offering of FSCT 8320 for the Spring/Summer 2025 term.
CRN 55303
Dates
Apr 21 - Jun 23 Seats Available
- CRN 55303
- $837.01 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
10 weeks
Instructor
Dom Toa
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This Hybrid offering will mostly be online with two (2) in person classes (Sunday and Monday, June 15th & 16th) 0900-1700 at the Burnaby campus. Lab Coats are REQUIRED for this course and are available for purchase at the BCIT bookstore: www.bit.ly/3DrARrt. Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. There is no required textbook for this offering. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca. For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/computing-academic-studies/forensics/.
Status
Seats Available
2 seats remaining as of Sun April 20, 2025 at 2:57 pm (PDT). Availability may change at any time.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.